By: Associated Press//December 11, 2014//
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — A University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh student accused of trying to make the deadly toxin ricin now faces a federal charge that carries a potential life sentence.
Kyle Smith pleaded not guilty Thursday to two federal charges.
WLUK-TV reports the new charge alleges Smith knowingly developed and possessed a toxin for use as a weapon — a charge that carries a maximum life sentence upon conviction. The earlier charge alleges Smith possessed ricin, which carries a 10-year maximum sentence.
A grand jury returned the indictment late Wednesday after a federal judge last month found probable that Smith knowingly possessed ricin.
Smith was arrested Oct. 31 when Oshkosh police cordoned off the neighborhood around his off-campus house after getting a tip from the university.
Smith’s attorney has argued Smith never intended to use ricin for harm anyone.
Information from: WLUK-TV, http://www.fox11online.com